How to Become a Tower Crane Operator

If you’ve ever walked by a major construction site, you probably saw a dinosaur of a crane hovering hundreds of feet in the air.

Those T-rexes lift gargantuan amounts of material from one section of a work site to another.

If you’re not afraid to sit high up in the sky, sometimes higher than the seagulls are willing to fly, then you might want to consider a career as a tower crane operator.

There’s a pretty straightforward path to achieving this lofty goal, and we’ve got the down low right here for you.

A Tower Crane Operator

A tower crane operator is going to maneuver all those heavy loads by shifting levers and pushing pedals. If you’re a fan of the manual transmission, think of it as (super) advanced driving.

Most construction sites are hotbeds for hazards, even on a good day. If you’re the one hovering hundreds of thousands of pounds over the heads of your friends, you can be sure safety is your only true friend.

In this bustling economy, full-time work is definitely available. In fact, you may even be able to score some nice, long shifts and hefty overtime payments.

Don’t think this career will pigeonhole you into bustling construction sites in Midtown Manhattan, either.

Major ports require tower crane operators to heft shipping containers onto cargo ships and barges. With an open mind, you can find yourself on any number of sky-high work adventures.

Also, depending on the state you live in, you may be required to attain licensing as well. But, before you wade into NCCCO waters, you’ll need to have your high school diploma or GED at the ready.

Then, it’s time to get certified. While this is voluntary, we all know how your resume is going to stack up against the competition if you have a proud NCCCO stamp of approval on display.

NCCCO Admissions and Testing

Here’s a look at the NCCCO’s training. To be eligible, you must be 18 years or older. You’ll also be required to pass their physical exam and comply with their policy on substance abuse.

Next up, there’s a multiple-choice exam containing 55 questions that must be answered within 60 minutes. Finally, there’s a practice exam in which you’ll have to operate an actual tower crane.

All that hard work will earn you a certification that’s good for five full years. And be sure to double check with the NCCCO because, in some states, this certification will fulfill state licensing requirements.

Other Alternatives

If a local community college is more your speed, there are also Associate Degree programs you can pursue. What you’ll want to research are schools that offer Heavy Equipment Programs.

Then, it’s time to determine if you live in a state that requires licensure before operating. Here’s the NCCCO’s complete listing.

You’ll discover this is a position that can only be learned on the job. With your high school diploma in hand, a nod from the NCCCO, and your high hopes of achievement, it’ll be time to enroll in an apprenticeship program.

Apprenticeship

A helpful resource for apprenticeship is the International Union of Operating Engineers. They offer apprenticeship programs for tower crane operators in various locations all across the U.S. These programs run for three to four years, during which your knowledge will be steeped in gold.

Tower Crane Operator Employment Facts

Many full-time employers will want to see two to five years of experience on your resume. That’s why an apprenticeship is your ticket to a life in the sky.

Required Skills

When it’s time to prove your skills, prospective employers will be looking for someone with excellent hand-eye coordination, the physical stamina to operate heavy machinery, peak mechanical skills, and an in-depth understanding of the computer systems used to operate tower cranes.

It’s a fairly solitary role, but you’ll need to be able to communicate extremely well with others, if not in the name of camaraderie, then definitely in the name of safety. Anytime you think something’s not quite right, you’ll know when it’s time to pump the proverbial brakes.

Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a tower crane operator is $45,020. As an hourly wage, that breaks down to about $26.58 per hour. Better yet, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that salary range to experience a 3.0% increase. With a healthy base salary like that, you’ll be sitting pretty in no time at all.

Even better, we hope you’ll consider a career in management one day. Perhaps you’ll run your own crew, given your expertise in dielectric testing. That’ll be something to be proud of, right?

Finding the Work

On a final note, if mobility is an option for you, you might consider going where the work will find you. The Bureau of Labor Statistics published a map detailing the states with the highest density of tower crane operators. Texas, Louisiana, California, and Pennsylvania are some of the chart-toppers.

Education is Our Gateway to Exploration

We’d put education up there on the same level as Thor’s hammer. Its power is endless and its reach spreads far and wide. That’s why we’ve carved out an entire section of our classifieds on this very topic.

While you’re brushing up for that 55-word multiple choice exam, you might find this outline of successful study habits to your benefit.

In a big world full of endless opportunity, we hope you find your peace and contentment high up in the sky as a crane operator. You’ll have the satisfaction of helping keep the world of commerce healthy and robust!

And, who knows, perhaps a decade spent as a tower crane operator will parlay into an architectural career – read more on those here.